Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
While the impostor draws his identity from past achievements and the adulation of others, the true self claims identity in its belovedness. We encounter God in the ordinariness of life: not in the search for spiritual highs and extraordinary, mystical experiences but in our simple presence in life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True identity comes from self-acceptance rather than external validation.
In this quote, Brennan Manning emphasizes the distinction between a false self, which is built on past achievements and the admiration of others, and the true self, which finds its value in being loved and accepted. He suggests that genuine encounters with the divine happen in everyday life, rather than through extraordinary spiritual experiences, underscoring the importance of being present and appreciating the ordinary moments as means to connect with something greater.
Themes
IdentityBelovednessSelf-AcceptanceOrdinary LifeSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about self-worth at a community event.
More from Brennan Manning
All quotes βThe sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
Brennan ManningRead
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Brennan ManningRead
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Brennan ManningRead
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
Brennan ManningRead
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Brennan ManningRead
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